Jon McKenzie, CEO of Calgary-based Cenovus Energy Inc., stated that the federal government must address fundamental, long-standing grievances between Alberta and Ottawa to defuse the province’s growing separatist movement. These grievances include perceived federal attacks on the oil and gas sector, frustration over equalization payments, and a feeling of being misunderstood by Eastern Canadians. The call comes after the federal Liberal Party's recent election victory and increased support for sovereignty referendums in Alberta.
Ottawa must address Alberta’s grievances if it wants to defuse separatist movement, Cenovus CEO says
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Jon McKenzie, CEO of Calgary-based Cenovus Energy Inc., stated that the federal government must address fundamental, long-standing grievances between Alberta and Ottawa to defuse the province’s growing separatist movement. These grievances include perceived federal attacks on the oil and gas sector, frustration over equalization payments, and a feeling of being misunderstood by Eastern Canadians. The call comes after the federal Liberal Party's recent election victory and increased support for sovereignty referendums in Alberta.
Trending- 1 Recent: The federal Liberal Party clinched a fourth term.
- 2 After election: Tens of thousands of Western Canadians registered with the Alberta Prosperity Project.
- 3 After election: 38 Canadian energy company bosses signed a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney.
- 4 Tuesday: Jon McKenzie spoke at the Global Energy Show in Calgary, discussing Alberta's grievances and the separatist movement, and calling for federal action.
- Growing separatist movement in Alberta.
- Potential for political instability and federal-provincial tensions.
- Economic impact on Alberta's oil and gas sector due to federal policies.
- Need for Canada to diversify its energy markets beyond the U.S.
What: Jon McKenzie, CEO of Cenovus Energy Inc., urged the federal government to address Alberta's grievances to counter the province's growing separatist movement.
When: Tuesday (McKenzie's statement at the Global Energy Show), recent (federal Liberal Party election victory), 'past decade' (curtailed growth of oil and gas sector).
Where: Calgary (Global Energy Show), Alberta, Ottawa, Western Canada, Eastern Canada, United States (as energy consumer).
Why: The separatist movement is rooted in long-standing grievances, including federal policies perceived as stymying the oil and gas sector, issues with equalization payments, and a feeling of being misunderstood by Eastern Canadians.
How: McKenzie believes addressing these issues, streamlining project approvals, and ditching emissions policies could defuse the movement. He also emphasized the need for Canada to diversify its energy markets beyond the U.S. and for the government to avoid picking 'winners and losers' in the energy sector.